Abstract: In a line to line fault detection and protection system, a source end power supply supplies power to a remote load over a transmission line and monitors the dynamic behavior of a transmission line power characteristic. If that dynamic behavior is outside a constraint that is actively imposed on the transmission line dynamic behavior by a load end power conditioning system, a possible line to line fault is recognized. The preferred power characteristic is current and the preferred constraint is a maximum rate of change of current drawn from the transmission line by the load end power conditioning system.

Abstract: A voltage comparator and a programmable counter coupled to a high-speed clock are used to provide a near constant delay time for use in a closed-loop system. The voltage comparator input-output time delay is characterized at a certain temperature and operating voltage then variances in the voltage comparator delay times over a range of operating temperatures and voltages are measured and/or extrapolated. A number of clock pulses used for a delay time count are programmed into the programmable counter to provide for a near constant delay time from a change at the input of the voltage comparator to a change at the output of the programmable counter.

Abstract: In a relay operation state maintaining device configured to maintain an operation state of a relay when an abnormality occurs in a controller configured to control an operation of the relay, the relay operation state maintaining device includes: a memory configured to store a relay control signal output for an operation of the relay by the controller at a time the abnormality occurs and to generate and output a memory output signal based on a stored signal; a first relay driving signal generator configured to generate and output a first relay driving signal based on the relay control signal and a signal corresponding to the abnormality occurrence; and a second relay driving signal generator configured to generate and output a second relay driving signal based on the first relay driving signal and the memory output signal.

Abstract: A method and relay for communicating a value of a parameter of a source to be monitored. The relay comprises an input sampling module for coupling to the source to be monitored, the sampling module configured to detect the value of a parameter of the source to be monitored; and an output module for communicating the value to a user.

Abstract: A charging method and a related device are provided. A charge protection apparatus includes a micro control unit (MCU), a current detection circuit, a gating circuit, and an input/output (I/O) interface. The current detection circuit detects an external charging current flowing through a power cable. The current detection circuit transmits the external charging current to the MCU. The MCU transmits the external charging current to a user terminal using the I/O interface such that the user terminal calculates a current difference between the external charging current and an internal charging current detected by the user terminal, and determines, based on the current difference, whether to generate a circuit control command. The MCU receives the circuit control command from the user terminal, and controls, according to the circuit control command, the gating circuit to be in a closed state or an open state.

Abstract: A distribution manager for a power microgrid system includes a main bus, and a circuit breaker coupled to the main bus and to one of a load and an inter-microgrid connection system of the power microgrid system, the circuit breaker being structured to operate based on a set of functional trip settings. The distribution manager is structured and configured to: (i) determine an available source overcurrent that will be fed through the circuit breaker, (ii) determine a number of trip parameter settings based on at least the available source overcurrent, and (iii) set the functional trip settings of the circuit breaker based on the determined number of trip parameter settings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling adaptive reclosing based on transient stability of a power transmission line are disclosed. The apparatus includes a power angle calculation unit, an integral square error (ISE) second-order differential calculation unit, a stability determination unit, and a disconnection signal generation unit. The power angle calculation unit acquires the instantaneous value of a power angle based on voltage and phase angle measurement signals. The ISE second-order differential calculation unit acquires the instantaneous value of the second-order differential of the ISE of the power angle. The stability determination unit determines whether a system is stable or unstable based on the transitions in the instantaneous value of the second-order differential of the ISE.

Abstract: A current controller for generating a control signal which controls supply current flowing from a power source to a load includes an interface circuit which sets a threshold based on an instruction from an outside of the current controller, a threshold setting circuit which stores and outputs the threshold, a sensing circuit which determines a current or a temperature of a sensing element, and outputs a signal indicating that the supply current should be interrupted as the control signal if a determined current or a determined temperature exceeds the threshold, and a sensing control circuit which generates a clock signal including pulses with a predetermined period. The sensing circuit determines the current or the temperature of the sensing element during an active period of the clock signal.

Abstract: A method can be used for checking the operation of a device of electrically erasable programmable read-only memory type powered by a power supply voltage and associated with a power on reset circuit. The method includes implementation of at least one pilot operation corresponding to a phase of operation of the device that is identified as a phase that is inclined to malfunction in the event of a drop in the power supply voltage below a given value, execution of the at least one pilot operation during the operation of the memory device, and analysis of the result of the pilot operation so as to detect any malfunction not prevented by the reset circuit.

Abstract: A multi-output power supply comprises an input power port for receiving input power, a first output power port supplying a first voltage derived from the input power, a second output power port supplying a second voltage derived from the input power, and a shut-down circuit configured to shut down the first output power port, independently of the second output power port, if power drawn from the first output power port exceeds a first predetermined value.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for protection against electrostatic discharges has a diverting structure, which includes a diverting element and a switchable element. The diverting element can be set up to drain off an electrostatic discharge between a first and a second terminal. The switchable element can take a first and a second switching state, where a function of the diverting element can be activated depending on the switching state of the switchable element.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a protection relay apparatus that protects lines of a three-phase alternating current power system, the protection relay apparatus including a fault detector to detect a fault of the line, an opening unit to open a circuit breaker of a fault phase in which the fault has occurred through detection of the fault, a fault phase voltage measurement unit to measure a voltage of the fault phase after the circuit breaker is opened, a fault recovery determination unit to determine whether the fault is recovered or not based on the voltage, and a closing unit to close the circuit breaker when the fault recovery determination unit determines that the fault is recovered.

Abstract: A resettable circuit protection system for a vehicle includes a power outlet, a resettable circuit protection device, a resettable switch, a control module, and a user interface. The resettable circuit protection device is disposed in power communication with the power outlet, is operable between open and closed positions, and is configured to automatically open in response to an electrical overload condition at the power outlet. The resettable switch is electrically disposed in series with the circuit protection device, and operates between open and closed positions. The control module is disposed in signal communication with the circuit protection device and the switch. The user interface is disposed in signal communication with the control module. When the circuit protection device is open, the control module is responsive to facilitate display of a message at the user interface indicative of the circuit protection device being open, and to facilitate opening of the switch.

Abstract: A system for protecting a load from a fault on a line comprising: a detection circuit monitoring the line; and a switch interposed between the line and the load; wherein the detection circuit triggers the switch to disconnect the load from the line when the fault is detected. The detection circuit may trigger the switch within one second of detecting the fault. The detection circuit may monitor the line voltage of the line and the fault may be detected when the line voltage exceeds 125% or 130% of the normal voltage. The load may be automatically reconnected to the line when the line voltage drops to within 5% or 10% of a normal voltage. The fault may be any one or more of an open-neutral, an over-voltage, an under-voltage, a phase loss, and an external trigger, such as an access sensor, a smoke sensor, and/or a heat sensor.

Abstract: In an example signal clustering apparatus, a feature of a signal is divided into segments. A first feature vector of each segment is calculated, the first feature vector having has a plurality of elements corresponding to each reference model. A value of an element attenuates when a feature of the segment shifts from a center of a distribution of the reference model corresponding to the element. A similarity between two reference models is calculated. A second feature vector of each segment is calculated, the second feature vector having a plurality of elements corresponding to each reference model. A value of an element is a weighted sum and segments of second feature vectors of which the plurality of elements are similar values are clustered to one class.

Abstract: A power distribution system (that can detect an unsafe fault condition where an individual or object has come in contact with the power conductors) regulates the transfer of energy from a source to a load. Periodically, the source controller opens an S1 disconnect switch, a and load controller opens an S2 disconnect switch. A capacitor represents the capacitance across the load terminals. If the capacitor discharges at a rate higher or lower than predetermined values after the S1 and S2 disconnect switches are opened, then a fault condition is registered, and the S1 and S2 switches will not be commanded to return to a closed position, thus isolating the fault from both the source and the load.

Abstract: A data processing device includes a clock converter, a data converter, ad an error detector. The clock converter is configured to receive a first clock signal, convert the first clock signal into a second clock signal, and output the second clock signal. The data converter is configured to receive first data, convert the first data into second data using the second clock signal, and output the second data. The error detector is configured to check whether the first clock signal is in a first clock state or a second clock state upon the first data transitioning to a first data state, and output an enable signal to the clock converter upon determining that the first clock signal has transitioned to the first clock state from the second clock state.

Abstract: The reclosing control device configured to perform a reclosing control in case of a fault in a transmission line. Further, the reclosing control device includes a voltage detection unit configured to detect a faulted phase voltage waveform and extract a harmonic component contained in the faulted phase voltage waveform; a HR calculating unit configured to calculate ratio values between even harmonics and odd harmonics based on the extracted harmonic component; and a reclosing control unit configured to determine whether or not an arc is finally extinguished based on the calculated ratio value and perform a reclosing control depending on a result of the determination.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes: a line breaker that is connected in series to a direct-current power supply; a first capacitor that is connected in parallel to the direct-current power supply through the line breaker; a discharge circuit that includes a resistor and a first switching circuit connected in series and is connected in parallel to the first capacitor; a power converter for driving a synchronous machine; a second capacitor that is connected in parallel to a direct-current side of the power converter; a second switching circuit that is connected in series between the first capacitor and the second capacitor; and a control circuit for controlling the discharge circuit. The control circuit controls the discharge circuit on the basis of the voltage of the first capacitor and the voltage of the second capacitor.

Abstract: An electronic circuit is provided that has a function of protecting an IC element (10) from excess current cause by latch-up. The electronic circuit includes an IC element (10) having a terminal (N1) connecting to power voltage (VCC) and a terminal (N2) connecting to ground voltage, and an automatic reset fuse (11) that is connected to either of the terminals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically clearing faults in a power transmission line involve automatically terminating ends of a section of the power line while preserving electrical and/or physical continuity of the power line. The terminating of the ends is reversed at about voltage zero-crossings in the power line to clear a fault.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring system that includes a connector device having connector contacts coupled to termination structures that couple a first AC power conductor and a second AC power conductor to corresponding contacts of the plurality of connector contacts. An electrical wiring device includes a device housing having a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion includes at least one user-accessible control element disposed thereon. The at least one user-accessible control element is coupled to an electrical switch mechanism disposed in the device housing and coupled to a plurality of device contacts. The plurality of device contacts are accessible by way of a device connection arrangement formed in the rear portion of the device housing. The plurality of device contacts are configured to mate with the plurality of connector contacts when the connector device is coupled to the device connection arrangement.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a protection relay apparatus that protects lines of a three-phase alternating current power system, the protection relay apparatus including a fault detector to detect a fault of the line, an opening unit to open a circuit breaker of a fault phase in which the fault has occurred through detection of the fault, a fault phase voltage measurement unit to measure a voltage of the fault phase after the circuit breaker is opened, a fault recovery determination unit to determine whether the fault is recovered or not based on the voltage, and a closing unit to close the circuit breaker when the fault recovery determination unit determines that the fault is recovered.

Abstract: A brushless fan motor control circuit assembly consists of a high-frequency filter circuit, a rectifier circuit, a power factor enhancing circuit, a current-limit and voltage regulation circuit and a brushless fan motor driving circuit. By means of the high-frequency filter circuit to suppress high frequency noises, the power factor enhancing circuit to enhance the power factor and to save power consumption, the current-limit and voltage regulation circuit to limit the current and to achieve overload protection, the brushless fan motor control circuit assembly controls the operation of a motor of an electric accurately and safely, avoiding fan vibration.

Abstract: An alarm device includes: a detection device which detects an occurrence of an abnormal condition within a monitoring area; a transmission device which transmits an alarm signal when the detection device detects the abnormal condition; and an output device which, after the transmission device has transmitted the alarm signal, outputs an alarm after a lapse of a predetermined time after the transmission.

Abstract: An AC contactor with a mechanical short circuit self-locking function includes an AC contactor body. The AC contactor body includes a shell body, wherein a mechanical short circuit self-locking unit is provided therein. The mechanical short circuit self-locking unit includes a short circuit detecting and triggering device for generating a triggering action when a fault of short circuit occurs; and a self-locking acting device for generating a self-locking action after receiving the triggering action, so as to disable the AC contactor to automatically reset after the fault of short circuit is removed.

Abstract: An alarm device includes a first detecting unit and a controlling unit. The first detecting unit has an isolating circuit, a first enabling circuit, a second enabling circuit and an output circuit. The isolating circuit generates an adjusting signal according to an input signal. The first enabling circuit generates a first enabling signal according to the adjusting signal. The second enabling circuit generates a second enabling signal according to the first enabling signal. The output circuit outputs a first detecting signal according to the second enabling signal. The controlling unit outputs a control signal according to the first detecting signal. The control signal controls an electronic device to operate under a standby mode when the first detecting signal refers to an abnormal status.

Abstract: An arrangement having DC power supply units connection parallel, wherein, the power supplies of the DC power supply units each generate a partial output current for supplying a load with a total output current. In accordance with the invention, an overload of power supply units when the power supply units are switched on and/or during their restart is largely avoided.

Abstract: An isolation device having normally off detection is provided. The isolation device having normally off detection includes a transient blocking unit (TBU) having at least one depletion mode device disposed between a pair of sense terminals, and at least one normally off transition element disposed to drive a gate of the depletion mode device in the TBU, where the normally off transition element transitions from a first resistive state to a second resistive state and one depletion mode device is connected to one sense terminal, and the normally off transition element transitions by detection of a current through the TBU. The TBU can be unidirectional or bidirectional.

Abstract: A method for controlled reclosing of branch elements in an electric power system that has been subjected to a disturbance and that includes at least one branch element and at least one circuit breaker connected thereto. The angular difference between voltage vectors on both sides of the circuit breaker or at two end points of the branch element is detected and compared with a comparison value. In dependence on a magnitude of a deviation of the angular difference from the comparison value, the reclosing is either completed or blocked. The comparison value is updated automatically and regularly in such a way that an adaptive value is obtained. A system includes an element arranged to update the comparison value automatically and regularly in such a way that an adaptive value is obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a Fourier transform-based phasor estimation method and apparatus capable of eliminating the influence of exponentially decaying DC offsets. According to a Fourier transform-based phasor estimation method according to an embodiment of the present invention, an input signal is sampled, and samples of one-cycle data of the input signal are separated into at least two sample groups. A Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) is performed on each of the sample groups. A DC offset included in the input signal is calculated on a basis of results of the DFT on each of the sample groups, and an error caused by the DC offset is calculated using the calculated DC offset. A phasor of a fundamental frequency component included in the input signal is estimated by eliminating the calculated error, caused by the DC offset, from the results of the DFT on the input signal.

Abstract: A short circuit protection circuit which readily recovers a relay drive circuit to an output operation state after a short circuit is cancelled while preventing the relay drive circuit from being damaged by a short circuit. The relay drive circuit outputs a drive current to a load in accordance with a first control signal. A short circuit detection circuit detects the occurrence of a short circuit at an output side of the relay drive circuit and suspends output operation of the relay drive circuit when a short circuit occurs. Further, the short circuit detection circuit intermittently transmits a recovery signal to the relay drive circuit in a certain time interval after a predetermined time elapses from when the short circuit occurs to recover the output operation of the relay drive circuit. The time interval is gradually increased whenever the recovery signal is transmitted.

Abstract: An electrical isolation system specifically adapted for use in street furniture (10) having an electrical supply (24) to working electrical components (20) is described. The system includes an impact sensor (22) located in use within the street furniture and a monitoring unit (30) and an electrical isolator (32) located in use remote from the street furniture. When the impact sensor is activated a signal is sent to the monitoring unit which sends a signal to the electrical isolator to disconnect the electrical supply to the working components of the street furniture. A method of providing electrical isolation in street furniture (10) having an electrical supply (24) to working electrical components (20) is also described.

Abstract: A current controller for generating a control signal which controls supply current flowing from a power source to a load includes an interface circuit which sets a threshold based on an instruction from an outside of the current controller, a threshold setting circuit which stores and outputs the threshold, a sensing circuit which determines a current or a temperature of a sensing element, and outputs a signal indicating that the supply current should be interrupted as the control signal if a determined current or a determined temperature exceeds the threshold, and a sensing control circuit which generates a clock signal including pulses with a predetermined period. The sensing circuit determines the current or the temperature of the sensing element during an active period of the clock signal.

Abstract: To provide a semiconductor integrated circuit including: a detection circuit that detects an occurrence of latch up and can be configured while adopting a layout configuration that suppresses the occurrence of latch up; and a recovery unit that enables a recovery from the latch up without cutting off a positive potential. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a n-channel MOS transistor 7 that is formed on a P-type region 3 on a semiconductor substrate; and a latch up detection circuit that detects an occurrence of latch up in the n-channel MOS transistor 7. The latch up detection circuit includes: a n-MOS transistor structure 12 in which a source 10 and a back gate 8 are connected in common with a source 5 and the back gate 8 of the n-channel MOS transistor 7; and an electric current detection unit 15 that detects an electric current flowing to a drain 9 of the n-MOS transistor structure 12.

Abstract: A voltage protecting circuit includes a switch unit, an upper limited voltage detecting unit, a lower limited voltage detecting unit, and a logic control unit. When a voltage output from a voltage input interface is less than the lower limited voltage or greater than the upper limited voltage, the logic control unit outputs a control signal to turn the switch unit off. The output voltage outputted from the voltage input interface is not provided to a working circuit. When the output voltage outputted from the voltage input interface is greater than the lower limited voltage and less than the upper limited voltage, the logic control unit outputs a control signal to turn the switch unit on. The output voltage output from the voltage input interface is provided to the working circuit.

Abstract: A new method for three-phase reclosing of transmission lines is disclosed. According this method, after the type of fault is identified and the faulted line is opened for all three phases from both ends, fault extinction is recognized by comparison of amplitudes and angles of voltages induced at opened phases with predetermined settings. The transmission line is reclosed after the fault is found to be extinguished.

Abstract: A load driving device according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes: an output transistor coupled between a first power supply line and an output terminal, the output terminal being configured to be coupled with a load; a protection transistor that is provided between a gate of the output transistor and a second power supply line, and brings the output transistor into a conduction state when a polarity of a power supply coupled between the first power supply line and the second power supply line is reversed; and a back gate control circuit that controls the second power supply line and a back gate of the protection transistor to be brought into a conduction state in a standby mode when the polarity of the power supply is normal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described, illustratively in an LVLS master/slave system, for detecting a circuit failure, shutting down the system as if a normal power down function has occurred, but restarting the system. Signals, including power and ground lines are monitors, mal-functions detected and the apparatus put into a power down sequence. Illustratively in the LVLS system, driving a signal line to either the power or ground rails is used as a signal to the apparatus to enter the power down sequence. The present invention, after a programmable time, then drives the signal line to the opposite rail thereby signaling the system to restart—a wake up mode. After a programmable time, the signal line is released and the system resumes normal operation.

Abstract: A power supply providing current interruption based on the energy from the supply over a sliding window of time is disclosed. The output current from the supply is periodically reestablished.

Abstract: Various electrical apparatuses which include a current dampening device are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electrical apparatus is provided which includes a motor and a switch having an “on” position and an “off” position to control the operation of the motor. A current dampening device is connected in parallel with the motor downstream from the switch to dampen transient current. In another embodiment a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is electrically connected to the motor upstream from the switch.

Abstract: A method of protecting a circuit includes measuring a value associated with a circuit having a current flowing through a switch to a load and comparing the measured value to a threshold. If the measured value meets or exceeds the threshold, the switch is turned OFF and a counter is incremented. If the counter is less than the counter limit, and a predefined time period has elapsed, the switch is turned back ON.

Abstract: A circuit testing closer is capable of closing a power distribution circuit and interrupting the resulting current at the next current zero. Upon detecting a fault, the circuit testing closer is operable to open contacts to isolate the fault. Next, the circuit testing closer tests the faulted line to determine whether the fault has cleared. The circuit testing closer may employ one or more dynamic thresholds to determine the existence of a fault.

Abstract: A system for protecting a load from a fault on a line comprising: a detection circuit monitoring the line; and a switch interposed between the line and the load; wherein the detection circuit triggers the switch to disconnect the load from the line when the fault is detected. The detection circuit may trigger the switch within one second of detecting the fault. The detection circuit may monitor the line voltage of the line and the fault may be detected when the line voltage exceeds 125% or 130% of the normal voltage. The load may be automatically reconnected to the line when the line voltage drops to within 5% or 10% of a normal voltage. The fault may be any one or more of an open-neutral, an over-voltage, an under-voltage, a phase loss, and an external trigger, such as an access sensor, a smoke sensor, and/or a heat sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to limit the current drawn from a power supply output connected to furnish power to a docking station or electronic device, when a fault connects the output to ground or other docking connection. The power supply is disconnected when such fault is present during power-up. In one embodiment, the apparatus controllably limits current delivered to a docking station and a mobile device connected thereto. The apparatus includes a switch device located along a current path extending between the power supply and docking station, to regulate current flow. A current limiting entity operates the switch device to prevent current flow, when the fault affects the circuit, and current through the path exceeds a pre-specified threshold level. The pre-specified current threshold level can be less than the current level provided to the docking station and mobile device without said fault.

Abstract: A method for providing an analog or digital circuit that senses both low and high input voltage and operates to disconnect both line and neutral electrical power connections to a protected device when abnormally low or high voltages are received from a single- or multi-phase power source, and reconnects the protected device when input power has stabilized. The sensing circuit and power supply is functional with voltages up to at least 240 Vac. The nominal 120 Vac circuit is designed to withstand a 6 kilovolt surge without damage. The method does not disconnect the ground line during an out-of-tolerance voltage condition.

Abstract: The invention provides an animal asphyxiation device comprising a housing (10) for containing an animal and a gas distribution means (28) arranged inside the housing to allow even distribution of gas throughout the housing.

Abstract: A short circuit protection circuit which readily recovers a relay drive circuit to an output operation state after a short circuit is cancelled while preventing the relay drive circuit from being damaged by a short circuit. The relay drive circuit outputs a drive current to a load in accordance with a first control signal. A short circuit detection circuit detects the occurrence of a short circuit at an output side of the relay drive circuit and suspends output operation of the relay drive circuit when a short circuit occurs. Further, the short circuit detection circuit intermittently transmits a recovery signal to the relay drive circuit in a certain time interval after a predetermined time elapses from when the short circuit occurs to recover the output operation of the relay drive circuit. The time interval is gradually increased whenever the recovery signal is transmitted.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described, illustratively in an LVLS master/slave system, for detecting a circuit failure, shutting down the system as if a normal power down function has occurred, but restarting the system. Signals, including power and ground lines are monitors, mal-functions detected and the apparatus put into a power down sequence. Illustratively in the LVLS system, driving a signal line to either the power or ground rails is used as a signal to the apparatus to enter the power down sequence. The present invention, after a programmable time, then drives the signal line to the opposite rail thereby signaling the system to restart—a wake up mode. After a programmable time, the signal line is released and the system resumes normal operation.

Abstract: A method of breaking an overcurrent is provided to connect an overcurrent breaking controller in series between an AC power and a load. Thus, when detecting the connected load of which the current generated with the consumed power is higher than a rated current of the overcurrent breaking controller, the overcurrent breaking controller instantly stops the load working, when detecting the current passing through the load that is lower than the rated current, the controller allowing the load to re-work. Thus, the load of which the rated current exceeds is prevented from being replaced, and automatic power shut and recovery are implemented for protection, power saving, easy installation, and energy waste prevention.